7 December 2023
A closer look at the latest celebrity skincare brands and their effectiveness in achieving flawless skin.
In recent years, celebrities and influencers have been capitalizing on their fame by launching their own beauty and skincare brands. From Rihanna’s Fenty Skin to Hailey Bieber’s Rhode, these A-listers are vying for a spot in the lucrative skincare market. But do these star-powered brands actually deliver on their promises? We teamed up with skincare experts to find out.
Fenty by Rihanna: Smart Skincare for Pore Treatment
Rihanna’s Fenty Skin has taken the beauty industry by storm with its focus on treating, smoothing, and tightening the look of pores. With over 30 products on offer, Fenty Skin has gained popularity for its accessibility, solid ingredient lists, and data-backed claims. The range includes products like the Total Cleans’r Remove-It-All Cleanser and the Fat Water Pore-Refining Toner Serum. Skincare chemists praise Fenty Skin for its affordable price point and effective ingredients like niacinamide and AHAs. However, some products may contain fragrances that can cause skin irritation in certain individuals.
Soul Keys by Alicia Keys: The Mind-Body Connection
Alicia Keys’ Soul Keys brand focuses on psychodermatology, emphasizing the connection between the mind and skin. The range includes products like the Skin Transformation Cream and the Energy Boosting Tonic. Skincare chemists appreciate the affordable price point and the inclusion of beneficial ingredients like niacinamide. While dermatologists may have limited knowledge of formulations, the inclusion of polypeptides in the Skin Transformation Cream is lauded for its skin-preserving properties. Beauty journalists find the products calming and luxurious, with the Be Luminous Exfoliating Powder providing a healthy glow.
Rhode by Hailey Bieber: The Quest for Hydration
Hailey Bieber’s Rhode skincare line has garnered immense attention, with 100,000 people joining the waiting list for the Peptide Glazing Fluid. Designed in collaboration with dermatologists and chemists, Rhode aims to provide the glowiest, dewiest skin. The range includes products like the Hydrating Milk Cleanser and the Softening Moisturizer. Skincare chemists praise the expertise of chemist Ron Robinson, but note that the hydration-focused range may not be suitable for dry skin due to the absence of occlusives. The Glazing Milk, however, moisturizes effectively with the help of ceramides.
Le Domaine by Brad Pitt: Harnessing the Power of Antioxidants
Brad Pitt’s Le Domaine skincare range, developed in partnership with the Perrin family, focuses on antioxidants. The range includes products like The Cleansing Emulsion and The Serum. While the high price point may be attributed to the proprietary antioxidant ingredient blend, skincare chemists express the need for more data and clinical studies. Resveratrol, a key ingredient derived from grapes, has shown promise in preventing photo-aging caused by UV damage. Beauty journalists find the products to be on par with other options in the market, with The Serum providing visible improvements in skin appearance.
The Outset by Scarlett Johansson: Gentle Solutions for Sensitive Skin
Scarlett Johansson’s The Outset brand aims to address the issue of sensitized, problem skin. With a focus on fragrance-free simplicity, the range includes products like the Gentle Cleansing Gel and the Calming Moisturizer. Skincare chemists appreciate the brand’s clear formulation structure and gentle ingredients like niacinamide. While the efficacy of the products relies on consumer perception studies, beauty journalists find the range extremely gentle and nourishing for the skin barrier.
S’Able Labs by Idris and Sabrina Elba: Melanin-Inclusive and Sustainable Skincare
S’Able Labs, created by Idris and Sabrina Elba, offers a range of melanin-inclusive skincare products. The brand incorporates thoughtfully sourced ingredients like shea butter and Somalian quasil, paying homage to the couple’s African heritage. Skincare chemists note the lack of a full regime but commend the range for its consumer perception tests and clinical studies. The products, including the Melanin Cleansing Balm and the Glow Essence, contain beneficial ingredients like AHA actives and antioxidants. Beauty journalists appreciate the brand’s commitment to social responsibility and find the products gentle, nourishing, and effective.
Conclusion:
Celebrity skincare brands have flooded the market, but their effectiveness varies. Rihanna’s Fenty Skin impresses with its data-backed claims and accessible price point, while Alicia Keys’ Soul Keys offers a calming experience. Hailey Bieber’s Rhode range provides hydration, and Brad Pitt’s Le Domaine focuses on antioxidants. Scarlett Johansson’s The Outset caters to sensitive skin, and Idris and Sabrina Elba’s S’Able Labs offers melanin-inclusive and sustainable skincare. Ultimately, the efficacy of these brands depends on individual preferences and skin concerns.
